PLANS to expand and improve the health services for Maldon residents have been outlined by the district MP.

Sir John Whittingdale organised a meeting with representatives of the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, councillors, GPs and representatives of patient groups.

In the meeting, attendees discussed public concerns about the limited health services following long wait times.

There are plans to develop three new primary care facilities for residents in Maldon and Heybridge. 

Sir John Whittingdale said: "I am very much aware of the difficulties that residents of Maldon have in accessing primary care.

“Our two GP surgeries are under considerable pressure as a result of the growing population, inadequate facilities and difficulties in recruitment.

“However, it is unacceptable that patients should have to wait so long for appointments and that patient satisfaction levels at the Blackwater Medical Centre are the lowest in Essex.

“I also understand the frustration at the lack of progress in obtaining a new Health Hub to replace St Peter's Hospital which is universally recognised as no longer fit for purpose.”

He added: “It is very unsatisfactory that the two GP practices in the town are members of different primary care networks and there needs to be much closer collaboration between them.

“If this happens, the NHS has also promised to provide support to the Blackwater Medical Centre to modernise and to instal new technology in order to make it easier for patients to contact the surgery for appointments.”

The MP discussed the intention for the Blackwater Practice to move in the new Health Hub and the Longfield Practice will expand on its existing site.

He added: “Both Practices will also support the new health centre to be provided as part of the North Heybridge Garden Suburb development.

“This will provide residents of Maldon and Heybridge with three new Primary Care facilities as well as outpatient services being offered from the new centre in place of St Peter's.

“However, it is important that rapid progress is made to achieve this as patients have already had to wait far too long.

“The Chief Executive of the Integrated Care Board which oversees the NHS Mid Essex has promised to make this happen and I will continue to press him for action with a further meeting in due course.”